Raising kids in NYC comes with crazy rent, stressful school searches, and closets for apartments—but it also brings easy access to enriching cultural activities, and NYC is equally rich in good old-fashioned outdoor activities, too. The city offers a range of bucolic parks and outdoor adventures where kids can get busy playing outside, all without leaving the five boroughs.
From fishing to hiking to exploring to off-the-beaten-path parks, here are 25 outdoor activities in NYC for the whole family. Some are FREE, most are accessible by public transportation, and we guarantee all these things to do outdoors are tons of fun.
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Best Outdoor Activities in NYC
1. Go Hiking
There are plenty of hiking trails across the five boroughs. Staten Island's Wolfe's Pond Park is stunning, especially during fall foliage season. Prospect Park has numerous hiking trails, plus family-friendly activities that will have you planting, conserving, and exploring. For city-dwelling beach lovers, Rockaway Beach boasts dune hikes with spectacular views, and Marine Park is a great place to spot birds and other animals.
2. Try Bouldering
Inwood Hill Park is a fantastic place to hike, bike, camp, or boulder with the whole family. This tranquil NYC spot is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Another popular outdoor bouldering spot is Central Park's Rat Rock and the park's other climbing rocks. If your family's really into the sport, there are several unofficial guides to bouldering around NYC, like this one from Nicolas Falacci.
3. Cross a Bridge
There are more than 750 bridges in NYC (at least, ones that are operated by the Department of Transportation). Of course, we don't recommend trying to walk across them all (many are for vehicle traffic only!), there are some pedestrian bridges worth adventuring over. Walking over a classic like the Brooklyn Bridge and the George Washington Bridge provides a chance to see the city from a spectacular new perspective. We also love the High Bridge, an uptown gem that connects Upper Manhattan to the Bronx. It was built as part of the aqueduct system in the mid-19th century, but today has been transformed into an elevated walkway with gorgeous views of Manhattan, the Harlem River, and the city skyline to the south.
4. Go Horseback Riding
Prospect Park has historically been a destination for horseback riding in NYC. The nearby Be•Brooklyn Equine Stables (formerly Kensington Stables) offers trail rides on a 3.5-mile bridle path with experienced guides. Horseback riding lessons are offered at other NYC sites, too, or you can drop in for a horse or pony ride at many locations, like City Island Stables.
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Hop on bikes with the family and explore Central Park. Photo by Suzy Q
5. Discover a New-to-You Corner of Central Park
Central Park is massive—spanning more than 843 acres of green space, there's always something to discover when visiting Central Park with kids. Visitors can download a self-guided tour to learn about the park's history or join an in-person tour. We're partial to exploring the less crowded northern edge, but we've covered all 843 acres of the green space, and visited all the playgrounds!
6. Hop on a Bike
With dedicated bike paths all over town, Citi Bikes available on practically every corner, and neighborhood rental shops, NYC is more cycling-friendly than ever. Governors Island is a great biking destination for kids as the isle is 100% car-free. You can bring your own bike or rent one on-site. Bonus: FREE Bike Mornings allow visitors to borrow a cycle for an hour each weekday morning for free.
7. Run a Race
NYC hosts hundreds of road races annually, from full- and half-marathons to toddler-friendly kiddie runs. New York Road Runners (NYRR) hosts many races, including youth-specific runs geared toward different age groups. Be on the lookout for more fun events by NYRR, like its "Dog Days of Summer" races, which invite you to bring along your pup for a run. Other fun outdoor runs kids can enjoy include the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot and an NYCRUNS Spring Fling run on Governors Island.
8. Discover History
NYC has many historic sites scattered throughout its boroughs. For instance, did you know Inwood Hill Park is the last native forest in Manhattan? Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve on Staten Island is also well worth the trek. It's got exceptional hiking and gorgeous views, but what makes this park unique is its history. My family and I have learned about the Leni Lenape Indians and the Free Blacks of Sandy Ground who once lived here. It's fascinating stuff and accessible for school-age kids.
9. Explore a Landfill-Turned-Park
You'll have hard time believing that Staten Island's beautiful (but unfinished) Freshkills Park was once the world's largest landfill. Visit to hike, see how it's progressing, and learn how its designers are undoing some of the site's environmental damage.
10. Fly a Kite
Technically, kite flying isn't allowed in NYC unless it's part of a special event. But this is only a rule on paper, and kite-flying continues to be a fun summertime activity. The most popular locations (and safest bets) for flying your kite are beaches, Long Meadow in Prospect Park, and Central Park's North Meadow and Great Lawn. Want to fly your kite with others, or just watch the beauty of the kites in the air? Attend one of NYC's kite-flying festivals, like Riverside Park's FlyNYC or Brooklyn Bridge Park's annual Spring Festival.
11. Play Pickleball
This fast-growing sport is popping up at neighborhood playgrounds and taking over Central Park's Wollman Rink. It's a great multi-generational sport to play as a family!
12. Go Roller Skating
Take a twirl on one of these outdoor roller skating rinks in and near NYC to introduce your kids to this old-school past time. Dare we say: It's cool again!
13. Enjoy an Alfresco Flick
No matter how many times you've seen a movie, it's always cooler under the stars, and FREE screenings abound during the summer months.
14. Hit a Ropes Course
Explore nature from a new point of view at these ropes courses near NYC, where you can conquer a fear of heights and enjoy a fun outdoor adventure in the process.
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Walk the trails and learn about the life and impact of Shirley Chisholm at the state park named after her. Photo by Suzy Q
15. Get to know Shirley Chisholm
The political pioneer—the first African American congresswoman and the first woman to run for president—is honored by a state park that bears her name. There's plenty to love at this Brooklyn green space, including biking trails, stunning public art, and amazing city views.
16. Go Camping
Try your luck at the yearly lotteries for family camping with the city's Urban Rangers. If you prefer to camp with a bit more comfort, you can opt for the pricier glamping on Governors Island. For those willing to head outside the city for their camping experience, we've rounded up several nearby campgrounds that are well worth the trip.
17. Explore a Unique Playground
New York City might have its share of cookie-cutter playgrounds, and they all make for a great day out with the littles. But the city also has so many more unique options to check out. Our favorite one-of-a-kind park is the brand-new Pier 26 Science Playground, which has two giant play structures shaped like surgeons. We also love Domino Park, which stands on the site of an old Domino Sugar Factory and takes a lot of design decisions from its history.
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Cool down at the new water feature at Pier 2 in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Photo by Ros Muggeridge
Outdoor Adventures Along the NYC Shores
18. Visit a Waterfront Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park is one of our favorite places to play, and it's got tons of kid-friendly amenities and ultra-cool playgrounds. It's just one of the many parks that line NYC's 520 miles of coast, and they all offer great views and outdoor adventures. Plus, many have waterfront playgrounds for the kids to enjoy!
19. Look for Whales and Dolphins
Yes, you can go whale and dolphin watching right here in NYC! Several companies offer boat tours where you can spot one of these spectacular marine animals, including Seastreak and American Princess Cruises.
20. Go for a Ferry, Boat, or Kayak Ride
There's nothing like a little time on the water to clear your head, and the NYC Ferry makes it easier than ever to explore these fun on-shore destinations, all for a little more than a subway swipe. If you really want to go all-in with the boat theme, there are a bunch of kid-friendly boat tours and experiences you can book. If you're feeling really adventurous, there are also several places around the city to rent a kayak or canoe, sometimes even for free!
21. Go Fishing
Opportunities to fish in NYC abound, including some guided experiences for newcomers. Visit the Parks Department for details on fishing spots and regulations. Note: All fishing in NYC parks is catch and release. If you're looking to fish on the open water, take the kids to Sheepshead Bay for a ride on the Sea Queen VII.
RELATED: Petting Zoos Near NYC Where Kids Can See Farm Animals
Hit up one of many stunning beaches in NYC. Photo by Matt Nighswander
22. Head to the Beach
There are beaches in every borough of New York City—yes, even Manhattan, now that the Gansevoort Peninsula beach is open. Of course, you can visit any of the beaches and boardwalks year-round to take a stroll, pick up shells and sea glass, or watch the wildlife.
23. Go Surfing
Rockaway Beach in Queens is the sole shore in the five boroughs where surfing is allowed, and only at designated locations. The area is exploding with surf shops and lessons for kids of all ages. We're partial to Locals Surf School and New York Surf School.
Nature-Inspired Things To Do Outdoors in NYC
24. Visit a Zoo
There are plenty of wild animals awaiting your visit at the city's zoos and aquariums. The Bronx Zoo is, of course, the largest and most impressive collection of wild animals in NYC, but we also love the friendly barn animals at the smaller Queens Zoo and the underwater fun at the New York Aquarium, which has just debuted a fun, new NYC-centric Aquatheater show.
25. Volunteer at a Local Park
The NYC Parks Department and City Parks Foundation are always looking for volunteers to help care for plants, spread mulch, pick up trash, and generally beautify the city's parks. No experience or commitment is necessary—just find an event you're interested in, sign up, and show up. Kids are nearly always welcome, making this a fun family outing in nature.
26. See a Salt Marsh
The Brooklyn Salt Marsh at Marine Park is spread over 530 acres of grasslands and houses egrets, red-winged blackbirds, and more making for incredible bird-watching. The Alley Pond Environmental Center in Queens is another place where you can visit a saltwater marsh, as well as picturesque forests, meadows, and ponds. The center is all about preservation, education, and community, and it hosts regular family and children's programs and special events.
27. Visit a Farm
There are kid-friendly urban farms scattered across the city where kids can help plant, care for, and harvest fresh fruits and vegetables. Want to get up close and personal with some chickens or goats? Check out some nearby petting zoos. And definitely don't miss out on the oldest and largest working farm in NYC, the Queens County Farm, which offers free admission except on special event days.
28. Try Gardening
Even if you don't have space for a garden, NYC has many opportunities to try your hand at cultivating plants with the whole family. Sign up for a kids' gardening class at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden or volunteer at one of the community gardens located all around the city.
29. Go Bird-Watching
NYC is home to so many native birds, as well as a pit stop for migrating birds just passing through. Join fellow birders in some of the most popular birding spots in NYC! Visit the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge or Marine Park's Salt Marsh for water and marsh birding, or head deep into the Central Park Ramble for warblers and other tree-loving species. The NYC Audubon offers tons of resources to get you started, including a whole page dedicated to beginners. If your kids don't have the patience for live birding, consider a sidewalk hike through Harlem to see how many of the Audubon Mural Project paintings you can spot!
30. Stop and Smell the Flowers
All five boroughs have beautiful spots to see some flowers. Our favorite spots for petal-admiring include the Conservatory Garden in Central Park, the gorgeous Wave Hill in the Bronx, and the Pier 6 flower field in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Of course, the botanical gardens in the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn are a treat year-round, as is the stunning Snug Harbor in Staten Island.
A version of this article was first published in 2015; it is updated annually. Louise Finnell and Katie Nave Freeman contributed additional reporting.